Lib Dem MEP for North East warns European Commission "Don't confuse public on energy efficiency labelling"

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Apr 2009

Fiona Hall wants to retain the straigjhtforward A-G ratings for energy efficiency, in the face of opposition from the European Commission.

Fiona Hall, North East Lib Dem MEP, voted in the European Parliament last night to reject controversial plans which would have seen the end of the well known A-G energy efficiency labelling system for appliances such as washing machines, freezers and light bulbs.

The straightforward A to G labelling method clearly shows that products labelled with an 'A', get top marks for energy saving performance, whilst those at the other end of the scale branded 'G' are the worst. But the European Commission had hoped to extend the labelling system to appliances even more efficient than 'A,' with the symbols A-20%, A-40% alongside the existing system.

Fiona voted against the European Commission's scheme, branding it 'unclear and incomprehensible' to the ordinary shopper.

"I am delighted that the Industry Committee exercised its right to object to these measures. The Commission's proposals risked replacing a well-established and well-understood system with one that is extremely confusing," said Fiona speaking after the vote in the Industry, Energy and Research Committee which Fiona sits on in the European Parliament.

"Because of technology improving all the time, we were heading rapidly for a ridiculous situation where all appliances currently on the market would be labelled with a green A, giving consumers no clear indication which of those products was the most efficient. Indeed, under proposals to take off the market the most inefficient fridges and televisions, we would have ended up in a situation where products labelled A were being banned because they were so inefficient.

"The much better approach would be to include the year of origin on the A to G label, and then reassess the situation every few years to deal so improvements in efficiency technology could be taken into account."

But Fiona has also labelled the UK Government "spineless" for having approved the new labelling system - despite the fact it will confuse shoppers trying to buy energy efficient.

Fiona said: "Initially, the Labour Government opposed the new labelling system, recognising that it was a route to chaos. But under pressure the Government gave in and sided with Tory MEPs in the European Parliament. It was Liberal Democrat MEPs who convened a discussion meeting and brought the majority of MEPs out against these ridiculous new proposals."

If the Industry Committee vote is ratified by the full European Parliament in May, the Commission will be asked to come forward quickly with a revised proposal which is acceptable to both MEPs and national government ministers.